I have a 2009 Vibe GT 2.4L (Red Hot Metallic) which I am the original owner with 107,000 miles. The car has been great with no issues except some oil burning and only required maintenance. Also the notorious Red paint clearcoat peeling and hood chips. I switched to Valvoline Protect and Restore and it really slowed down the oil burning down to approximately a quart between oil and filter changes. It seems to get better each time.
Recently my AC compressor started making a knocking sound. I was hoping this was just an AC clutch issue only, but my AC mechanic diagnosed a bad compressor. I took it to my AC mechanic and he said yes it was definitely the compressor going bad and it would require changing out the compressor and condenser. He said it is cooling normally and if I did not want to repair it to just drive it until the compressor went out. Cost to repair would be right at $1275.00 Well it just stopped cooling and the compressor is not working. No more noise
but no more AC as well. I looked into replacing the compressor and condenser myself to try and save some monies after having the refrigerant recovered by a mechanic, then have him vacuum the system and install the refrigerant after repairing. I've done this job before on my 1981 Corvette when I was mechanically restoring in the same manor.
Asking here if in fact the compressor and condenser as well as possibly replacing the expansion valves while I have things apart and flushed is necessary? Or if I could just replace the compressor? I've read online that there could be metal from the compressor going in the lines and condenser, reason the mechanic mentioned replacing both?
With the car having 107,000 miles on a Florida car, other than the clear coat peeling, hood chips and some oil burning that is getting better, if it would be worth spending the money on the AC repairs? Otherwise I'd probably consider selling the car.
Thanks